Split decision

It was a close call.

That's how to describe the Indiana race between Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination in Tuesday's primary.

Across the state, Clinton held on to win with 51 percent of the vote. Up for grabs were the state's 72 delegates.

In Jackson County, however, Clinton won easily with a tally of 5,573 votes or 66 percent to Obama's 2,784 votes.

In North Carolina with 115 delegates at stake, Obama carried 56 percent of the state's votes.

Jackson County voters of all ages came out Tuesday to let their voices be heard. Many people pointed out the higher turnout of younger voters.

LaVonne Borges of Seymour was among those who voted for Clinton. She voted at Seymour High School.

"I believe that she is the most intelligent and has the best ideas for our country, and I am very impressed with her," Borges said. "I believe our economy is the most important thing and I think she has the best ideas on where we'll go."

Longtime voter Anna Hutchings, 94, of Seymour, also chose Clinton.

"I picked Hillary because I think she is a very smart woman and she's got a lot of experience being that her husband was president," Hutchings said. "We have to have a president that will help us with the war issue and economy and so forth."

Also voting for Clinton was Brownstown resident Scarlet Allman, 67. She voted at the courthouse Tuesday.

"I voted for Hillary and I'd vote for her again," Allman said. "I think she's the smartest woman to ever be running for election. I think she'll make a big difference."

Josh Kriete, 18, a senior at Seymour High School, took the time to vote in the election while also working the polls at the Jackson County Education Center in Seymour.

"I voted for Hillary Clinton this morning because I think that her message fits this area of the state more," he said. "I think she's actually out to help the blue collar working person. It just seems like that's the thing that is important around here."

Despite many crossover Republicans voting Democrat in Tuesday's election, Jeff Reagin, 64, of Seymour, voted Republican.

"I voted for John McCain because he's the only Republican left," he said after voting. "I think that all of our presidential candidates leave something to be desired."

Why McCain?

"Well, I think his experience. He's been around for a long time, his past war record," Reagin said. "When he talks about Iraq, he knows what we are doing over there and why we are there."

McCain carried 80 percent of the Jackson County Republican vote Tuesday and 78 percent statewide.

Carolyn Redmond chose not to share who she voted for but says the person she chose will be right for the job because of the way they are addressing the nation.

"They both want change, with all the problems and with the way our economy is, somebody is going to have to do something," Redmond said. "So Congress, senators, they are all going to have to be able to work with the next president. Both of them are capable, but I have my favorite."

There are still some Jackson County voters who believe Obama is the right person to lead the nation.

John Stark, a 17-year-old junior at Seymour High School, said he voted for Obama in an effort for change.

"I believe that he can promote a lot of change in the country and really has the initiative to get those items done that need changed," Stark said at the polls Tuesday. He's concerned about issues such as the No Child Left Behind Act.

"I know a lot of teachers are against that and also the war in Iraq. That's a big issue right now," Stark said.

Handing out Obama stickers outside Jackson 4 North and Jackson 5 North precincts was Lori Burnside, 32, of Freetown. She got involved with the campaign after hearing Obama speak at the April 11 rally in Columbus.

"I decided to volunteer for his campaign because he is very passionate about changing this country and bringing everyone together," Burnside said. "I really think he has good plans for Iraq and health care. Across the board, I feel that he is really going to seek out expert opinion in Congress, negotiate with foreign countries and overall just bring us to a place that is going to benefit our children and our grandchildren in the future."

After having to wait several extra hours Tuesday night at the courthouse, Jackson County Democratic Party Chairwoman Jeanette Hackman was glad to hear the results.

"I'm very well pleased with the turnout," she said. "We had a lot of switches," she added, referring to voters crossing parties.
"I thank Jackson County voters for coming out for us," Hackman said. "The volunteers have done a tremendous job for Hillary."